Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Desert 101 Hike
Hike through the foothills of the Estrella Mountains with Ranger Derik and learn about the many plants and animals that call the desert home. Get your blood pumping on a...
Hike through the foothills of the Estrella Mountains with Ranger Derik and learn about the many plants and animals that call the desert home. Get your blood pumping on a...
Estrella Park Bird Walk, Second Sat. of Each Month. Discover area birds, ID and habits in the Sonoran Desert. Meet at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park Nature Center. Program/Presentation in Nature Center to follow bird hike. Explore the Birds of Estrella Mountain Regional Park on a bird walk. Meet at the park Nature Center. Explore...
Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way, we will discuss eBird and citizen science, how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them...
Fundamentals classes are designed to help you raise a well adjusted and well-behaved puppy or new to you dog into a happy health dog. Fundamentals classes include basic obedience training, leash walking, housebreaking, positive reinforcement of good behaviors, trust centered training and puppy socialization. Group Classes open to puppies ages 10 weeks and up. Dog...
Bird Program talk and Power Point Presentation with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center following the Bird Hikes. Topics cover bird images, habits, maps, details and bird life. Free with Park Fee
This class builds on the basics skills learned in the fundamentals dog training class. We revisit basic obedience training, leash walking, positive reinforcement, and socialization and take them to the next level with time, distance and distractions. Intermediate Dog Obedience Group Sessions are open to dogs ages 5 month and older and have passed the...
Is your landscape resilient to our region’s extreme climate and low precipitation? A landscaping expert will walk you through the ways you can increase the resiliency and health of your landscape while still providing shade, color and an aesthetically pleasing view. Ages 15+
Advanced Dog Obedience classes build off the skills learned in Fundamentals and Intermediate classes. This class includes basic obedience training, leash walking, real life situations, positive reinforcement, working with multiple dogs, and socialization. Advanced Dog Obedience Group Sessions are open to dogs ages 1 year or older and have passed the AKC CGC test or...
Join the Maricopa Master Gardeners at the Maricopa Library on the second Saturday of the month for a garden educational talk. Everyone is welcome! Registration: Not required County or Tribal Extension Offices: Pinal
Wondering about the Junior Ranger program at Kartchner Caverns? Come out and get a well-rounded experience on what it means to be a Junior Ranger! Each Junior Ranger will participate in a scavenger hunt, learning how to safely explore and appreciate what our desert has in store for us, along with their chaperones. At the...
Discover the best selection of trees, shrubs, succulents and other plants used for desert landscapes. In this onsite program, you'll experience various interactive learning techniques featuring the fundamentals to properly...
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are certified volunteers who answer questions about gardening, landscaping, plant identification, and plant problems. If you have been wondering when, what, where, and how to plant your garden in Arizona, and who to ask, wonder no more. Come talk with a Master Gardener and have your questions answered—you...
With cooler temperatures on the horizon and fall colors starting to show up north it’s a great time to get outside and camp or backpack in our beautiful state. Ranger Derik will put on a PowerPoint presentation geared towards your first overnight trip covering topics like choosing at trail, what gear you should bring, and...
Join Ranger Eric to learn about native desert plant options for your garden to attract and help pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other insects. Some free printed resources will be available to take with you. After you check out this discovery station, we encourage you to check out the trails beyond the Visitor...
Bring a bagged lunch and join Ranger Steve to learn more about the North American Monsoon, how it works, and how it influences the rest of the year. Restrooms and water are available in the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center Classroom Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at (602) 506-2930...
Stop by the San Tan Nature Center to learn about their captive animal ambassadors, including snakes and lizards, during this drop-in education session hosted by Ranger Nikki. Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 1:00-2:00pm to visit with Ranger Nikki and learn about San Tan’s permitted animal ambassadors. Meet Wally the Chuckwalla, Cleo the Kingsnake,...
Expedition Reef show reveals in exquisite detail the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of coral reefs—and the scientists taking action to restore them. Recommended for general audiences. Themes: Sea, Climate, Biology Style: Fulldome documentary followed by live presentation Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2 and under: Free Discounted Rates Seniors (55+) and...
The theme is Amazing Arthropods, so bring your questions and your curiosity. We’ll have a selection of animal ambassadors on hand to view and take pictures of. No registration required, just drop on in! MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center, Main Lobby. No registration required. Free with Park Fee
The Conservancy provides valuable information about the Preserve and the environment to recreationists who use the Preserve, environmental enthusiasts and community leaders. Learning about the Preserve – including its flora, fauna, geology and history – enhances the enjoyment of visiting and reveals the significance of this living treasure.
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy stroll to watch the sun set and then search for scorpions as darkness sets. Ranger Nikki will lead you on an out-and-back walk to enjoy the sunset and then search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. Bring your blacklight and a regular flashlight. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring...